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BDSM Unlocked - Introduction to BDSM for Psychosexual Therapy

Thursday, March 12th, 2026   12:00 PM EDT -3:00 PM EDT
Shai Spitzen
$59.99

This class provides IAPST credits which are eligible for credits toward Certification as a Sex Therapist.  See iapst.org/certification

See complete list of certificates available in the Accreditation tab

BDSM is far more common than most therapists realize. One of the largest studies on sexual fantasies, conducted by Justin Lehmiller, found that for ~25% of participants, dominance and rough sex were their most frequent and favorite fantasies.
 
Yet many therapists approach BDSM with negativity or a lack of knowledge. As a result, patients often avoid sharing experiences related to kink out of fear of judgment or misunderstanding, while others actively search for kink-aware professionals.
 
This course is designed to give you a solid foundation in understanding BDSM: what consent really means in this context, key concepts and terminology, and the main issues that may arise in your clinical practice. You’ll also gain practical guidelines for working effectively and respectfully with patients who engage in or are curious about BDSM.
 
To register or access the part 2 asynchronous/self study click -> HERE <-

About the Presenter

BSW in Social Work with a focus on individual therapy, and MSW in Clinical Social Work with a specialization in family therapy. Graduate of the three-year program in sex therapy and couples and family therapy at the Rotem Center. Owner of a private online clinic, author of the Hebrew book series "Sholtim BaChomer" (Mastering the Material) on BDSM, founder of the Center for Alternative Sexuality - a non-profit organization for BDSM, fetish, non-monogamous, and LGBTQ populations, providing services such as a sexual assault and harmful relationship helpline, discussion circles, knowledge dissemination, and professional training.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Define BDSM and basic terms in BDSM such as Vanilla, Session, Kink, Space, Drop and Switch
  2. Define healthy BDSM relationships and distinguishing them from abuse
  3. List practices of consent in BDSM
  4. Distinguish between BDSM and self harm
  5. List professional practices to work with BDSM-addiction, fantasy-gaps in couples and community affiliation

Agenda:

Lesson 1: Introduction to the OPIC model for understanding the experiences of sexual minorities. Overview of basic BDSM concepts, foundations of consent, and exploration of personal attitudes toward the subject.

Lesson 2: Discussion of the key issues faced by people interested in or practicing BDSM, alongside therapeutic approaches and clinical strategies. Topics include: disclosing BDSM interests to partners, finding partners, community involvement, experiences of sexual assault, self-harm, and navigating mismatched BDSM needs and desires within a relationship.

This workshop offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits

This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
  • The American Psychological Association approves the School of Sex Therapy to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
    The School of Sex Therapy is an approved continued education provider for the International Association of Psychosexual Therapists. The School of Sex Therapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.